In light of the growing ISIS threat in Iraq, Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu feels Israel must build a physical border barrier on Israel’s eastern border. The prime minister explained it is entirely possible that ISIS will make good on its threat and move into Syria and portions of Jordan, making Israel a possible next target. The prime minister made his remarks at an Institute for National Security Studies forum.

On the INSS website advertising the 2 Rosh Chodesh Tammuz event, it states “In the wake of recent developments regarding the Israeli-Palestinian issue, including the failed negotiations mediated by US Secretary Kerry, the Fatah-Hamas reconciliation, and the kidnapping of three Israeli teenagers, INSS held a conference on options for Israel in the absence of progress toward a negotiated final status agreement. Fours MKs commented on the proposal presented by INSS Director Maj. Gen. (ret.) Amos Yadlin. The conference concluded with an address by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.”

While Mr. Netanyahu spoke of the need for a fence on the eastern border, he reiterated the matter at the INSS forum, adding he views priority security concerns, and protecting the nation’s borders is the highest concern. The prime minister explains the fence will not prevent efforts to tunnel under, or even missile fire, but it will prevent Islamic radicals from walking across the border into Israel and he stresses this must be done at the border, not in Tel Aviv.

The second security challenge is maintaining security control over the Jordan Valley, followed by the need for increased cooperation with moderate Arab nations in the area against radical Islam. He feels this includes Israel’s supporting Jordan as Amman is concerned over the ISIS threat as well as supporting an independent Kurdish nation. The fourth major concern is the prevention of a nuclear Iran.

The prime minister stressed that despite efforts of Western nations, Iran is not giving ups her ability to produce a nuclear bomb as Israeli continues to carefully monitor the situation.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)